MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Chris Bowen MP Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 30 June 2008 AA070/2008

GOVERNMENT DELIVERS ON COMMITMENT FOR TASMANIAN ISLANDS (Media release issued by Chris Bowen, Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government) The Government is delivering on its election commitment to extend the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) to King Island and Flinders Island for intrastate sea freight. Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Chris Bowen, said the extension of the scheme will commence tomorrow, 1 July 2008. "This extension will be demand-driven, with the Commonwealth committing $2.8 million over four years," Mr Bowen said. "This new component of the TFES will provide assistance for sea freight costs incurred for the shipment of eligible non-bulk goods between King Island and the main island of Tasmania, and between Flinders Island and the main island of Tasmania. "It is in addition to the Government assistance currently provided to the communities of King Island and Flinders Island under the existing TFES, which covers eligible sea freight shipped to and from the mainland of Australia. "To ensure consistency with the current TFES, the arrangements for the new component will closely replicate those of the interstate Scheme." Mr Bowen said the increased funding recognised the additional sea freight costs incurred by local businesses and communities on King Island and Flinders Island in comparison with communities on the main island of Tasmania. "It will provide a significant stimulus to industries on the islands by reducing the cost of transporting eligible cargo and will provide business operators with the confidence to further invest and grow their businesses," Mr Bowen said. The TFES is administered by Centrelink on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government: www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/businesses/tfes.htm. Media Contacts Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2008/June/AA070_2008.htm